One of The Sandman’s most lauded issues is getting the remaster treatment from DC. The Sandman #19, including the iconic “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” story, is getting reprinted from the publisher this Spring. This completely remastered re-release will bring back original colorist Steve Oliff. Oliff will use the original color guides used on the issue’s award-winning initial release, keeping the remaster as authentic as possible. Plus, the remaster will have a new painted cover from the issue’s artist Charles Vess.
Of course, remastering and recoloring a beloved classic can be tricky. Often, when a publisher works to bring a classic to a modern audience, it can affect the colors and art that made the classic iconic to begin with. Even when the original creative team returns to a piece, time can create changes in the work produced and it can still feel “off” from the original. Thankfully, DC seems to be working diligently to ensure the remaster of The Sandman #19 doesn’t suffer the same fate.
The return of Steve Oliff to color the remaster and use his original guides is a genius move. This is a great way for DC to show their dedication to maintaining the original quality. Of course, the first 18 issues of The Sandman have already had the recoloring treatment. These remasters also incorporated the original colorists to some capacity. However, the recoloring process will be extended for this From the DC Vault remaster. Hopefully, we are left with a remaster that keeps the heart of the original.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
What makes The Sandman #19 so iconic is the inclusion of the “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” story. This is a reimagining of Shakespeare’s play through the eyes and mind of Neil Gaiman. In the issue, the Fae characters that Shakespeare brings to life in the play attend the premiere of it. This allows them to give a funny and delightful critique of the work. Plus, The Sandman #19 is the only comic to with the World Fantasy Award for Best Short Story. So, DC has some extra pressure to maintain that award-winning magic in this remaster.
From the DC Vault: The Sandman #19 Remastered is on sale 04/02
